Syllabus - About the RAD
The Royal Academy of Dance is one of the biggest worldwide organisations that provide high quality teacher training and classical ballet training to students from preschool to adult years. The RAD syllabus was devised to ensure that students are reaching a particular level as they proceed through the grades.
The syllabus consists of three different components:
- Classical
- Free Movement
- Character
Students can choose to study at a recreational level, meaning that they can take 1 class per week and will not be entering for exams, or examinations can be offered to suitable candidates who are interested in pursuing ballet at a higher level.
Examinations are available from Primary (6-8 years) and then Grade 1 up to Grade 5. Once students reach Grade 5 they can choose to take Grade 6, 7 and 8, known as the Higher Grades, or they can begin Vocational Training, which includes levels from Intermediate Foundation to Advanced. This syllabus is designed to prepare students for a possible later career in dance and introduces students to pointe work for the first time. Students at the Vocational level are required to take a minimum of 3 classes per week and extra coaching in pointe, strength and stretch work.